Title :
Q-switched operation of quasi-three-level lasers
Author_Institution :
Lincoln Lab., MIT, Lexington, MA, USA
fDate :
12/1/1994 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A theoretical model for longitudinally pumped quasi-three-level lasers under Q-switched, repetitively Q-switched, and cw operating conditions is developed. The model is applied using 8% Ho:YAG as the gain medium, and it is found that for typical conditions the effective energy storage time can be much less than the upper state lifetime, in agreement with experiment but not predicted by earlier theories. This effect is attributed to details of laser design and pumping conditions, as opposed to being an intrinsic property of the gain material
Keywords :
Q-switching; energy storage; holmium; laser theory; modelling; optical pumping; radiative lifetimes; solid lasers; Ho:YAG; Q-switched operation; YAG:Ho; YAl5O12:Ho; cw operating conditions; effective energy storage time; gain material; gain medium; laser design; longitudinally pumped quasi-three-level lasers; pumping conditions; quasi-three-level lasers; repetitively Q-switched; theoretical model; upper state lifetime; Energy states; Energy storage; Equations; Laser excitation; Laser modes; Laser theory; Laser transitions; Power lasers; Predictive models; Pump lasers;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
